Casting-machine.



J. BURKHA'RD'I'.

CASTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 31, 1912.

1,108,694. I Patented Aug. 25, m

4 ATTORNEYS J. BURKHARDT.

CASTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION fILED JAN. 31, 1912. 1 1 08,694. Patented Aug. 25, 1914.

- 6 SHEETS-11231 2.

WITNESSES J. BURKHARDT.

CASTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAH..31, 1912.

1,108,694. Patented Aug. 25, 19m

6 SHEETS-BEBE! 3.

Fg z

v. ii h WITNESSES: INVENTOR ATTORNEYS J. BURKHARDT.

CASTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION IILBD JAN. 31. 1912.

Patented Aug. 25, 1914."

6 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

ga /7W 1 WITNESSES:

J. BURKHARDT.

CASTING MACHINE.

APPLIOATION BLED JAN.31,1912.

1 1 g gq Patented Aug-25, 19m

6 SHEETS SHEET 5.

INVENTOR BY J. BURKHARDT.

CASTING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JAN. 31. 1912.

Patented Aug. 25, 1914.,

6 SHBETS-SHEBT 6.

L440 ATTOR EY UNITED strAtrEs PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN BURKHARDT, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

CASTING-MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

To all whom it may concern:

Be'it known that I, JOHN BURKHAnp'r,--a citizen of the United States, and a resident of New York city, in the county and State of New York, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Casting-Machines, of which for automatically casting articles in said molds.

It consists of the novel devices and combinations herein shown and described.

In the drawings accompanying this specification and forming part hereof, I have shown my invention in its preferred form as embodied in a machine for automatically casting metal articles of varying shapes or patterns.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation showing one form of my improved machine for making sand molds and for casting articles therein, one-half of the machine being complete and part of the other half being broken away; Fig. 2 is an enlarged central longitudinal section through a part of the mechanism of onehalf of the machine, illustrating the bringing together of the flasks and patterns and the feeding and compressing of the sand;

' Fig. 3 is an end view of the sand hopper and a perspective view of the sand conveyer; Fig. 4is a side view of the complete molding apparatus, showing the chains carrying the molds to form the main gateway; Fig. 5

- isa horizontal section on the lines 55 of Fig.1; Fig. 6 is an enlarged side View of a complete mold with parts of two adjoining molds; Fig. 7 is a longitudinal section through the two flasks of a mold, taken on the lines 77 of Fig. 8; Fig. 8 is a crosssection through a mold, taken on the lines 88 of Fig. 7 Fig. 9 is aside view of one of the flasks showing the pattern formed in the sand and before the casting operation; Fig. 10 is an enlarged side view of a pattern; Fig. 11 is a similar view of a modification; Fig. '12 is a horizontal cross-section through a modified form of the casting apparatus showing a main gateway on 'each' side; Figs. 13 and 14 show a modified form of flask adapted for use where there is no main gateway or passage, Fig. 13 showin a single flask and Fig. 14 the completed mo (1;

and Figs. 15, 16 and 17 show a modification in WlllCh' there is only one series of flasks and patterns, Fig. 15 being a side View, Fig. 16 a central longitudinal section through the compressing means, and Fig. 17 illustrating a means for forming a hole in the sand mold for the .introduction of metal.

In the preferred form of my machine, that shown in Fig. 1, I provide two series of flasks, two series of patterns, one pattern for each flask, each flask and its pattern of one series being complementary to the corresponding flask and its pattern of the other series, so that when the two flasks are brought together, each with its half sand mold, a complete sand mold will be formed, and I provide means for bringing the flasks and patterns together, introducing sand into them, and compressing it so that it will not seriesof flasks to discharge the cast articles. In Flg. 1, I have shown one-half of the machine complete and containing one series of flasks, patterns and the means for introducing and compressing sand and conveying the various parts, but for want of space, I have shown the other half of the machine only partially It will be understood, how

this flexibility, each flask 3 is pivoted to the adjacent flasks as at 8.

9, 9, are. patterns which, at the proper time, are adapted to enter the flasks 3, 3. These are similarly arranged to form an endless chain passing around the sprocketwheels 10 and 11 mounted in brackets 12, 12 of the framework. The patterns are pivoted to one another at 13, 13 so as to form a sufiiciently flexible chain of patterns to pass around the sprocket wheels 10 and 11.".

14 is a sand hopper for holding sand and for discharging it at the proper time into the flasks containing the patterns.

I provide means for automatically com- Patented Aug. 25 1914. Application filed January 31, 1912. Serial No. 674,575. 3

pressing the sand in the flasks and patterns. The device shown for this purpose consists of a belt 15 passing around rollers 16 and 17, the belt being pressed downward, where it lies over the flasks, by means of a series of weighted rollers 18 mounted in a frame 19 secured to the framework 20 forming a part of the framework of the machine andcarrying the rollers 16 and 17. The weighted rollers and the belt are arranged so as gradually to compress the sand more and more into the flasks, being arranged for this purpose lower at the left than at the right, as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. By this means the sand is packed so tightly into the flasks that it will not fall out in passing around rollers 4 and 5 on its way to the position where the casting operation is performed.

21 is an endless belt passing around sprocket wheels 22 and 23 mounted in the framework carrying a series of idle rollers 24. The purpose of this belt and its idle rollers is to support the patterns while the sand is being fed into the flasks and patterns and is being compressed therein, and to reduce friction.

25, 25 are sand ejectors mounted on a shaft .27 carrying also a wheel 26, shaft 27 being supported in the framework of the machine. These ejectors enter the flasks 3 after the castings have been ejected from them, and they force out the sand into a hopper 28. I preferably provide automatic means for conveying the sand from this hopper into hopper 14. These means consist of a series of buckets 29, 29 secured to an endless chain or belt 30 passing over sprocket wheels 31, 32 mounted on shafts 33, 34, respectively, carried by the framework of the machine. These conveyers carry the sand from hopper 28 and dump it into an upper hopper 35 provided with a shaft 36. This shaft may, if desired, be provided with any suitable means of the usual construction, for breaking up any cakes or lumps of the sand in preparing it for further use. The sand falls from hopper 35 into hopper 14, and from there it falls into the flasks and is carried by them and compressed, as already described. I also preferably provide a shaft 37 turning in bearings in hopper 14 provided with any suitable means for breaking up the sand in hopper 14. I also preferably provide means for dusting in a small amount of charcoal, and also of a finer sand into the flasks after the patterns have been brought into position in them before the coarser sand of hopper 14 is fed. The devices shown for this purpose consist of two sieves 38 for the charcoal and 39 for the fine sand pivotally mounted on arms 40 and 41, respectively, both sets of arms being pivoted at the bottom to a base plate 42 of'bracket 12. An oscillating movement is given to these two shown) sieves by means of crank arms 43 and 44, respectively, eccentrically secured to a disk 45 fast on shaft 37.

46, 46 are two brushes for cleaning the sand out of the patterns.

The operation of the parts thus far described is as follows: It will be understood that each flask 3 and its pattern 9 in series 1 has its corresponding or counterpart flask and pattern in the other half of the machine in connection with series 2. The flasks 3 and the patterns are brought together by the means above described, each pattern entering its flask and passing in succession underneath the sieves 38, 39, hopper 14 and the compressing belt and rollers 15 and 18. In this passage a small quantity first of charcoal-and then of fine sand is sifted into the combined flaskand pattern through the oscillation of the sieves 38 and 39, and then the flask and its pattern are filled with sand of a coarser variety from hopper 14, the knife 47 of the hopper cutting ofl the sand at the proper height, the sand being first moistened by any suitable means (not The sand is then gradually compressed downward into the flask forming one-half of a sand mold. The patterns and flasks are then separated, as shown at the left in Fig. 1, the patterns passing downward around sprocket wheel 11, and the brushes 46 dusting the sand out of them while the sprocket wheel 4 and over a supporting shelf 48 and around sprocket wheels 5, where the two sets or series of flasks, each containing its one-half of the completed sand mold, are brought together to form the complete sand mold. These two series of flasks are preferably brought together at an angle sutficiently removed from the vertical to permit the introduction (if desired) and retention of cores in the completed sand molds, as clearly shown in the upper part of Fig. 1. At this point a core 49 is shown as in the act of being introduced. At the angle there shown, this is easily done and the core is retained in proper position. The 1 two series of flasks 1 and 2 then pass downward between sprocket wheels 6, 6, 7, 7 At the same time, I preferably bring two series of molds 50, 50 so as to unite alongside of the completed molds formed in the flasks in order to form a main gateway 51 for the passage of metal from funnel 52 to the hollow spaces 53 in the sand molds. These molds 50 are pivotally united together as at 54 to form an endless chain provided with a series of sprocket teeth 55 passing over teeth of sprocket wheels 56, 56. Four of these sprocket wheels are shown (see Fig. 4) two for each chain.

57, 57 are two guide plates between which the flasks and endless mold chains F0 50 pass and. by which they are l-eld closely toare as followsz is the main driving shaft I having a pulley 61 driven by a belt 62 from any suitable source of power. Sprocket wheel 11 is fast on shaft 60 and drives the endless chain .of the patterns '9 by means of the engagement of the sprocket teeth 11 with the teeth of sectors 63 on the back of the patterns. These sectors drive sprocket wheel 10 in their-turn. Chain 1 of the flasks 3 is driven by means of an upward projection 64 from pattern 9, strikini-against de pending arm 65 from the Has 3, and by the forward end of each pattern striking a depending arm 66 of flask 3.

67 and 68 are side projections from the flask and the pattern, respectively, for more securely locking the parts together when in combination. I

Meshing with gear 11 is agear 69 supported in the framework and having a crank arm 70 and a crank rod 71 connected to crank arm 72 loose on shaft 73 of roller 17. Crank arm 72 is fast on a sleeve on shaft 73, the sleeve carrying with it apulley 74 driving belt 75 turning pulley 76 fast on shaft 36 of upper hopper 35. Secured to the opposite side of gear 69 is a crank rod 77 fast with 40' crank arm 7 8' secured to pulley 17 for rotating belt 15. Belt 15 drivespulley 79. Fast with this is pulley 80 driving belt 119, wheel '45 and shaft 37, rotating the arms in hopper 14 for stirring up the sand. An intermittent shakingmotlon is imparted to-hoppers 38 and 39 by means-of rods 43 and 44, respectively, secured -to opposite sides of wheel 45.

The endless chain of -1n0lds 50 is driven from a bevel gear wheel 120 on shaft 122 of sprocket 6, the latter being driven by belt 81 from pulley 82 fast on the shaft 60, and bevel gear 121 on shaft 126 of gear 56. The other mold chain 50 is driven through gear 123 fast on shaft 122 and gear 124 fast on shaft 125 of the oppositesprocket 6. Belt 81 on a pulley on shaft 125 drives power shaft 601(not shown) on the right-hand side of the machine. It will beunderstood vthat the corresponding parts in the right-hand half-of the machine, of Fi 1, are similarly driven to those of the le hand side, the main driving shaft 69.011 the right-hand side of the machine being driven by belt 81 above described. The sand conveyers are driven through sprocket wheel 31 by means of a belt 83 communicating with any suitable source of power, preferably the same one as that which drives pulley 61. The sand ejectors 25 are driven by belt 84 running over pulley 85 faston the shaft of gear wheel 10,

the belt passing over ejector pulley 26. The

brushes 46 may be driven from any suitable source of power (not shown).

In Fig. 9 is shown a flask containing onehalfof a complete sand mold, the hollow spaces of the mold being represented at 86 and 87 and 88 representing sub-gateways for leading the metal to the hollow spaces of the mold, or from one part of such spaces to another.

In Fig. 12 I have shown mold chains 50 arranged oneaeh side of the flasks, thus givmgtwo main gateways for the more ready access of the metal vto the interior of the sand mold.

Figs. 13 and 14 illustrate a form of flask and sandmold in which there is no main gateway 51. Instead of the main gateway, each flask is provided with a cup 89 into which the metal is delivered from the funnel, Fig. 13 showing a flask forming one-half of the sand mold, and Fig. 14 the two halves united together to form a complete sand mold. 117 is a projection with a slot 118 through which arm 66 projects to lock the two together.

In cases where there is no room for the two complete halves of my improved machine, or where it is not desired to employ both halves, a single series of flasks and patterns may be used. I have illustrated such a form of the machine in Figs. 15 to -17. In such a form, the alternate flasks with their patterns, are arranged to form complementary halves of the completed sand mold. In this .form the flasks ,3 are placed by hand upon an endless belt 90 passing around a roller 91 and another roller (not shown), and driven by any-suitable means (not shown). They are pushed by hand until engaged by the chain of patterns 9, when they are fed forward in the way already described, under the compressing belt and rolls 18, as already described. At the left-hand end of the machine, the flasks 3 are lifted from the patterns by means of a roller 92 projecting from each side of the flask, striking and rolling up on guide rails 93, there being one on each side of the machine. Each flask isvpus hed along by the flask succeeding until it passes onto an endless delivery roll 94' running overroller 95 and another roller, not shown, for purposes of removal. In this form of machine, power belt 62 passes around pulley 61', rotating shaft 60. Through gear 96 fast on shaft 60, gear 97 is driven, the latter driving gear 98. A crank arm 99 imparts motion to wheel 17 driving belt 15. A belt 100 driven by pulley 101 fast on the shaft of gear wheel 97 and passing a-round pulley 102 fast on shaft 103 of wheel 104, drives the latter wheel. This wheel has on its margin a number of pins 105 which strike lever 106 projecting into their path, and give it an oscillating motion. Lever 106 is fulcrumed at 107 andhas a spring 108. At its upper end it is fastened to a rod 109 to which arms (not shown) in hopper 14 are secured for agitating the san If desired, the compressing rolls 18 and belt 15 may be made adjustable vertically to permit of the use of flasks of greater or less height. I have shown this form in Fig. 16. This adjustment is secured by mounting rollers 18 in a frame 110 adjustable vertically on support 111 forming part of the framework. This is secured by slots 112 and bolts 113, 113. y

In Fig. 17, I have shown a device for readily forming a hole in the sand mold contained in one of the flasks. It consists of a plunger 115 held up by spring 116 intervening between the plunger and the mold. 114 is a supporting rod secured at the bottom to pattern 9, the hollow plunger sliding over and around rod 114. Plunger 115 is depressed and then removed after the mold is formed, leaving hole 127 in the sand mold, as shown at the left in Fig. 16. In practice, the two adjacent flasks are taken and placed face to face and metal is poured in through the opening thus made. 138 is an endless belt running over a roller 129 and I another (not shown) for conveying sand to the hopper. Knife 47 (Fig. 2) may, if desired, be made adjustable vertically. 138 is a floor or pressure plate for supporting endless chain 21 and rollers 24. Pins 133 on the flasks 3 are engaged by the sprocket teeth of sprocket wheels 6, 6, 7 7, to aid in the driving of the flasks. In the side wall of each flask toward the mold chains 50 is left an opening half cylindrical in shape, 131. When two flasks come together they make a complete cylindrical opening'in the side wall through which metal passes from the main gateway 51, as shown at the right in Fig. 12.

In Fig. 10 I have shown arms 65 and 66 as, pivoted at 8, the pivot point here running entirely through from side to side of the flask, and the upper parts of 65 and 66 are rounded. In this construction it is possible that sand might work in between the joints.

In Fig. of the connection of these parts.

11 I have shown amodification In this construction, the arms are shown as 130,130

and meet at a sharp pointalong their upper edge, and the pivotal connection 8 1s made at the sides only of the flask. In this construction the sand is not as aptto enter the joint as in the other construction.

In place of the sand e ectors and brushes for cleaning the sand out of the flasks and patterns, any other suitable means could be employed, such as a blast of air or other cleaning device. Similarly, other means could be provided than those shown, for feeding the sand into the flasks, such, for example, as a blast of air, or manual feeding.

The purpose of sifting in charcoal from sieve 38 before the sand is fed in, is to enable the patterns to draw out from the flasks without disturbing the sand molds. Any other suitable parting material may be used in place of the charcoal. In place of the plunger 115, any other suitable means may be employed for forming the hole in the sand mold.

In making the compressing rollers and belt vertically adjustable, acertain amount of slack will sometimes be formed in the belt. Any suitable means for compensating for this may be provided.

Where only one-half of my improved machine is used, the flasks can be made much longer than where two series of flasks are used. This is sometimes of considerable advantage.

By means of my improvement, sand molds can be easily, accurately and automatically made for any desired pattern of casting. The various parts of the process are carried on expeditiously, cheaply and automatically.

those hereinbefore specifically mentioned,

may, of course, be made withoutdeparting from my invention. I

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In a machine for making castings, two series of flasks, two series of patterns adapttern in one series complementary to the corresponding flask and pattern in the other series, the two flasks with their sand molds forming, when brought together, a complete molding flask, means for feeding sand into the flasks and patterns, compressing devices for compressing the sand in the same, means for feeding metal into the completed molding flasks, and conveyers for bringing the for moving them into position to receive sand, a'n d then into position tobe compressed, for separating the patterns from the flasks and for bringing the complementary flasks together to form the completed molding flasks, and into position to receive metal; and for removing and separating the complementary flasks to discharge .the molded articles. I v

2. In a machine for making castings, two

sei ies of flasks, two series of patterns adapt-- ed "to enter the flasks, each flask and its pattern in one series complementary to the corresponding flask and pattern in the other flasks and patterns in each seriestogetlier,

105 ed to enter the flasks, each flask and its patforming, when brought together, a compatterns.

plete molding flask, means for feeding sand into the'flasks and patterns, compressing devices for compressing the sand in the same, means for feeding metal into the completed molding flasks, conveyers for bringing the flasks and patterns in each series together, for moving them into position to receive sand, and then into position to be compressed, -for separating the patterns from the flasks and for bringing the complementary flasks together to form the completed molding flasks, and into position to receive metal, and for removing and separating the complementary flasks to discharge the molded articles, and sand ejectors for forc ing the sand out of the flasks.

3. In a machine for making castings, two series of flasks, two series of patterns adapted to enter the flasks, each flask and its pattern in one series complementary to the corresponding flask and pattern in the other series, the two flasks with their sand molds forming, when brought together, a complete molding flask, means for feeding sand into the flasks and patterns, compressing devices for compressing the sand in the same, means for feedingmetal into the completed molding flasks, conveyers for bringing the flasks and patterns in each series together, for moving them into position to receive sand,

and then into position to be compressed, for

separating the patterns from the flasks and for bringing the complementary flasks together to form thecompleted molding flasks, and into position to receive metal, and for removing and separatin the complemen tary flasks to discharge t e molded articles, and means for brushing the sand out of the 4.'In a machine for making castings, two series of flasks, two series of patterns adapted to enter the flasks, each flask and its pattern in one series complementary to the corresponding flask and pattern in the other series, the two flasks with their sandmolds forming, when brought together, a complete molding flask, means for feeding sand into the flasks andpatterns, compressing devices for compressing the sand in the same, means for feeding metal into the completed molding flasks, and conveyers for bringing the flasks and patterns 'in each series together, for moving them into position to receive sand, and then into position to be compressed, for separating the patterns from the flasks and for bringing the complementary flasks together to form the completed molding flasks, at an angle sufliciently removed from the vertical to permit the inv troduction and retention of cores in the completed flask, and for separating the complementary flasks to discharge the molded articles.

means 5. In a machine for making castings, two series of flasks, two series of patterns adapted to enter the flasks, each flask and its pattern in one series complementary to the corresponding flask and pattern 1n the other series, the two flasks with their sand molds forming, when brought to ether,a complete separating the patterns from the flasks and for bringing the complementary flasks together to form the completed molding flasks, two separate series 'effimoldsf adapted to be brought together ad acent to the completed molding flasks to form main gateway for the metal communicating with the hollow spaces in the molds; and means for feeding metal to the main gateway.

6. In a machine for making castings, the

combination of two series of sand flasks, each flask in one series containing a sand mold complementary to that in the corresponding flask of the other series, conveyors for bringing the complementary flasks together at an angle sufliciently removed from the vertical to permit the introduction and retention of cores in the completed molds formed by the bringing together of the complementary flasks, and for separating 'the flasks to discharge the cast articles, and means for feeding metal to the completed molds.

7. In a machine for making castings, the combination of two series of sand flasks, each flask in one series containing a sand mold complementary to that of the corresponding flask in the other series, conveyors for bringing the complementary flasks together to make completed molds and for separating them to discharge'the cast articles, two separate seriesv of molds adapted to be brought together adjacent to the completed sand molds to form a main gateway for the metal communicating with the hollow spaces in the completed sand molds, and

for feeding metal to the main gateway.

8. The combination with a series of sand molds, and means for moving them, of two additional series of molds adapted to be brought together adjacent to the sand molds to form a main gateway for the metal communicating with the hollow spaces in the molds.

9. The combination with a series of sand molds, and means for moving them, of two additional series of molds adapted to be brought together adjacent to the sand molds to form a main gateway for the metal communicating with the hollow spaces in the molds, and to be moved with the series of sand molds, and means for feeding metal to the main gateway thus formed.

10. In a casting machine, the combination of two endless, series of sand molds, each sand mold in one series being the complement of the corresponding sand mold of the other series, means for bringing the corresponding sand molds of the two series together to form completed sand molds, and two endless series of molds adapted to be brought together adjacent to the two series of sand molds to form a main gateway for the passage of metal to the hollow spaces of the sand molds.

11. In a casting machine, the combination of two endless series of sand molds, each sand mold in one series being the complement of the corresponding sand mold of the other series, means for bringing the corresponding sand molds of the two series together to form completed sand molds, two

endless series of molds adapted to be brought 1 together adjacent to the two series of sand. molds to form a main gateway for the passage of metal to the hollow spaces of the sand molds, and a funnel for feeding metal to such main gateway.

12. In a casting machine, the combination of two endless series of sand molds, each sand mold in one series being the complement of the corresponding sand mold of the other series, and means for bringing the corresponding sand molds of the two series together at an angle sufficiently removed from the vertical to permit the insertion and retention of cores in the completed sand molds. I

In testimony whereof, I have signed my name to this specification, in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JOHN BURKHARDT; 

